02/10/2026
NATSIAACC’s position and recommendations on the Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner and Other Measures) Bill 2026 remain unchanged. NATSIAACC has previously identified 15 recommendations to ensure the Commissioner has the independence, authority, powers and resources required to drive transformational change across the Aged Care system and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People.
NATSIAACC acknowledges the intent of Schedule 4 to provide an additional safeguard where an assessment outcome may not accurately reflect an Elder or Older Person’s needs. However, the proposed Amendment does not address the underlying structural issues that create inequitable outcomes in the first place.
Without these changes, there remains a risk that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People will continue to experience inequitable access to funded Aged Care services, delayed access to appropriate supports and experience poorer ageing and health outcomes. Conversely, addressing the identified limitations presents an opportunity for Government to strengthen confidence in the assessment system, improve the quality and accuracy of decision-making, support more consistent implementation of the Aged Care Act 2024, and advance commitment to equity, self-determination, choice and culturally safe care for all older Australians.